On May 16, 2018, Alaska Airlines (AS) and AMFA announced a Merger Transition Agreement in Principal has been reached to combine the company’s AS and Virgin America technician groups.

“I extend my appreciation for the patience and professionalism during this negotiation process. Our Negotiating Committee worked tirelessly to achieve this Merger Transition Agreement with Alaska,” said Bret Oestreich, National Director. “It represents subsidiary enhancements in job protections and 401(k) for our unified members.”

The agreement, once ratified, will bring Boeing and Airbus technicians under Alaska’s existing Collective Bargaining Agreement. It includes a one-year extension of the existing contract and makes progress in a way that benefits all of Alaska’s 900 aircraft maintenance technicians.

“We continue to work together in building a strong working relationship during this transition period. The AS members will soon have the opportunity to vote on the merger transition agreement, and both workgroups will vote on the seniority integration process,” said Oestreich.

The next steps are roadshows, to be led by AMFA, followed by a ratification vote. Pending a positive ratification vote, AMFA will file with the National Mediation Board to represent Virgin America technicians.

“We have an enormously talented group of technicians at Alaska Airlines. This merger transition agreement recognizes all their hard work and dedication,” said Kurt Kinder, Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering at Alaska. “It’s great news for our maintenance technicians, who can look forward to moving ahead as one, fully integrated team.”

###

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technician and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 44 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners, guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Learn about Alaska’s award-winning service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).